330 RURAL BIRD LIFE. 



into the water, and, after plunging about for a few 

 moments, again resume its flight ; but what caused these 

 singular motions in ice-cold water — for the time was 

 midwinter — I know not. 



The bill of the Snipe, if closely examined, will be 

 found a study in itself fraught with interest and wonder- 

 ment. Its length enables him to probe deeply his boggy 

 haunts, and the nerves with which it abounds enable 

 him to y^^/ his prey. His food consists of worms for the 

 most part, although insects are often secured, and doubt- 

 less other animal substances that abound in the soil 

 peculiar to his haunts. 



The Snipe, like his cousin the Jack Snipe, shows a 

 strong love for his haunt, and you may repeatedly disturb 

 and alarm him, yet he still frequents the place as long as 

 food is plentiful, and by a little attention to his habits 

 you are able to find him whenever you wander through 

 his haunt. 



